OPERATION SOUTHERN READINESS 26-2 BEGINS AT SOUTHERN NAVAL COMMAND Operation Southern Readiness 26-2, a four-day multinational maritime security training exercise, commenced at the Southern Naval Command in Kochi on Sunday. Organised by the Southern Naval Command under the Indian Navy-led Combined Task Force 154 (CTF 154), the programme is being conducted in collaboration with the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). The exercise has brought together 254 participants from 26 countries, supported by 74 facilitators, representatives from four international organisations, and several subject matter experts. It marks the first time Operation Southern Readiness is being hosted in India, highlighting the growing partnership between the Indian Navy and CMF. CTF 154, currently commanded by the Indian Navy, serves as CMF''s dedicated training task force, focusing on enhancing capacity building, interoperability, and operational readiness among partner nations through multinational maritime training. The inaugural ceremony featured addresses by Commodore Milind M. Mokashi, Commander CTF 154; Commodore Dan Thomas, Deputy Commander of Combined Maritime Forces; and Rear Admiral Deepak Singhal, Chief Staff Officer (Training), Headquarters Southern Naval Command. The speakers emphasised the importance of professional training, knowledge sharing, and international cooperation in addressing evolving maritime security challenges. The opening day''s programme centred on ship management and specialised maritime training. Participants attended an expert session by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on maritime security threats in the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean. They also received practical training in ship handling, navigation, astro navigation, maritime distress communication systems, damage control, and firefighting using the Indian Navy''s advanced simulation facilities. The remaining three days of the exercise will feature professional discussions, simulator-based training, and practical sessions covering key aspects of modern maritime security. The engagement reinforces the Indian Navy-CMF partnership in strengthening regional maritime cooperation, improving interoperability, and promoting professional exchanges among participating nations, while further enhancing the Indian Navy''s role as a preferred security and training partner in the region.